UK government response to IPCC report

Edward Davey, Secretary of State of Energy made the following statement on the UN IPCC report on mitigating climate change;

"Last year, the world’s leading climate scientists told us that the Earth’s climate is indisputably changing due to human activity. Last month, we learnt that the effects of climate change will be widespread and pose very serious consequences if left unchecked.

"Today’s report reaffirms these messages. The tools we need to tackle climate change are available but international efforts need to significantly increase if dangerous temperature rise is to be avoided. The longer we leave it, the more expensive it will be to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

"The UK is leading from the front. We are investing in low carbon and energy efficiency technologies, with an increased focus on home grown renewables, to reduce our reliance of foreign imports and create a sustainable supply of affordable energy for consumers and businesses alike. We are also pushing for an ambitious EU energy and climate change package that will lead to a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and will take us on the next step to tackling climate change.

"But the risk is too great to stop here. We need a worldwide, large scale change to our energy system if we are to limit the effects of climate change.

"I call for international leaders to work together with enforced vigour to reduce carbon emissions and secure an ambitious legally binding global agreement in 2015."